Things to do In Port Alberni

Many people drive right though Port Alberni without giving any thought to all the great things that are available in the town. So here are a few things to whet your appetite:Stamp Falls Provincial Park: The best place to see migrating and jumping salmon on Vancouver Island. Best times are September and October when the largest species, the Chinook, are in the river. Features include interpretive signage, a fish ladder, a television monitor tracking the fish through the ladder, a scenic canyon and camping. Another good time is in April when masses of a beautiful and delicate lily called Trout Lily are in bloom.Martin Mars Bomber Base: Home of the largest (and oldest) amphibious waterbombers in the world. Still operational. Used to great effect in California recently. There is a museum and gift shop on site. Open June to September.The Frances Barclay: A small freighter plying the waters of the Alberni Inlet and Barclay Sound gives scenic cruises year round and seven days a week in the summer.McLean Mill National Historic Site: A working steam-driven sawmill from the days when railway logging was king. Features period buildings from the community that once was around the mill, a cafeteria, a theatre troupe in period costume in the summer nd guided tours and demonstrations of the mill itself.The steam train: A real working steam train that takes visitors from down town Port Alberni and transports them back in time to the Mclean Mill; a half hour journey through the valley.Harbour Quay: Great views of the finest harbour on Vancouver Island combined with several resaurants, coffee shops, gallery, gift shops and the focus of local special events during the summer.The Farmer's Market: Find local produce and crafts by local artisans every Saturday at Harbour Quay near the Train Station. There are also cafes and lunch spots in the immediate vicinity.